Eh guys... No shortage of search results when it comes to this problem but nobody quite hits the solution that I'm looking for on the head so I thought I'd put it out there and see if I could be more specific.

I got rounded steel tank mods put in which I must admit really make the engine compartment look sharp but I don't have level indicators. I was dealing with a bit of a leak issue through the vent on the tanks but that was cleverly resolved by Sean (Sxcxyx) and I do believe that issue is no longer a problem.

But in the meantime I'm trying to sort out what's going on with my power steering pump and the familiar "not primed" sound emanating from under the hood. I have turned the wheel side to side from block to block multiple times and in the past that worked... this time, however, it seems to be acting up despite a number of attempts. The steering is fairly smooth but I can tell it's not 100%

Also- I have heard this noise as a result of the fluid being too low (learned that one when the low pressure return line was rubbing against a turbo housing and wore through)... adding fluid obviously helped and priming the system made the noise go away.

I have tried adding fluid but it gets to a point where it's SO high it is threatening to overtake the vent so I know that's not right. I'm at the point now where I'm thinking maybe I should just take a bunch of fluid out and start over again.

Anyone have any other tips or tricks on priming the PSF pump? Does this sound like a whole other problem?

 

It's really odd how all car react differently to this. Most people have been able to install with no issues but a few have run into this same issue. They all resolved the issue by gradually adding more fluid, turning the wheel lock-to-lock 4-5 times, then test driving. You just need to find that balance that your specific car likes.

You know you can hit me up if you have any other questions.

-Sean

 

Yeah I know Sean and you know I always appreciate it but I was starting to feel bad bothering you with all my simple questions!

My only real issue I suppose is how much is too much? I get up too high and it starts to weep through that vent

 

If it bleeds out of the vent...it's too much LOL.

 

Duly noted lol

 

I found that a $2 battery filler is a useful tool for balancing the fluid. It's basically a turkey baster to suck extra fluid out.

 

I got one of those fluid transfer pumps last night anticipating this issue so I shouldn't have too much trouble.

 

well... removed fluid down to the baffle screen there and started trying to prime from that level up and it's just not stopping the noise. It's that rough "winding" as I've heard it described that changes as I turn the wheel back and forth its full rotation. But it also seems to increase and decrease speed with the throttle...

I looked in the coolant res and it was at the screen or maybe a smidge below. What's the right level for that one again?

Other than that everything is good- so I'm trying to figure out what could be wrong?

 

An inch above the screen for the coolant is fine.

 

Thanks Sean.

I talked to my shop and between talking with Sean and them as well I think we've come to the conclusion that because of the aftermarket PSF cooler the pressure going into the SS tank is higher than what it was designed for. This is likely causing some increased turbulence inside the system- each time I take the top off it is very frothy and I suspect this might have something to do with why the pump won't prime... just the increased aeration.

So what we're going to try is putting a restrictor in that will help reduce the pressure going into the tank and help cut back on the aerating. The pump generates a certain amount of pressure and I suspect that having that freer flowing cooler is reducing the friction loss.

It's something we're going to look at- anyway.

 

I had the same issue when I first bought Sean's 1st gen tanks. I would add fluid until the noise stopped but then the tank was too full and would leak out of the vent in the lid. After doing some research on here, I came to the conclusion I needed a PS cooler only to find out I have one already, who knew. My noise seemed to get worse the hotter it got outside, the whining would get really pronounced. I just kept playing with the fluid levels, making full turns lock-to-lock, and driving and it finally went away. My PS fluid level sits just above the shelf in the can.